Bonnet Springs Park Named the Nation’s Top City Park by USAToday, Boosts Economic Development in Lakeland’s Downtown West

At only 2 1/2 years old, Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland was named the Best City Park of 2025 by USAToday. This is in great part thanks to community support and votes from the public. 

“It means the world to see Bonnet Springs Park recognized as the No. 1 City Park in the country,” said Wesley Barnett. Barnett serves on the board of directors with his brother, Nicholas, and father, Barney — all major donors to the park.  

“This was a bold and ambitious project from the very beginning. A vision to transform a long-neglected rail yard into a dynamic, green oasis in the heart of Lakeland. For my family, it has been a labor of love. The Barnetts have been deeply involved from the moment we heard about the possibility. We are honored to be funders, advocates and stewards of the dream that Bonnet Springs could be a transformative place for generations to come.” 

About Bonnet Springs Park

The 168-acre park is between downtown and Lake Bonnet. The mission of the non-profit, according to its website, is “to enrich the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education. The park serves to unify Central Florida’s diverse population. It offers public spaces that serve the needs of many by providing engaging and unique opportunities in education and recreation to residents and visitors. The vision of Bonnet Springs Park is to be a place within walking distance of our city’s urban core where art, recreation, fun, and tranquility intersect by design.”

The park hosts a great variety of events. Everything from Movies on the Lawn and Mind Body Movement to Caffeine & Gasoline, Full STEAM Ahead Spring Break Festival and more. There’s even a 5K with the Lakeland Runners Club, among many others. 

“Bonnet Springs Park earned the Best City Park in the U.S. accolade because this privately financed park utilizes the 168-acre venue and it’s rolling landscape so purposefully,” said Mayor Bill Mutz. “Over 1 million visitors a year enjoy a variety of venues. The Florida Children’s Museum, a robust nature center, a gigantic, air-conditioned treehouse and many other unique features.” 

Park CEO Josh Henderson agrees. “This recognition means so much to us. From the very beginning, we set out to create a place that brings people together and reflects the heart of our community. It’s a testament to the people who dreamed it, donated to it and continue to support it every day. We have the best guests, and they have called us the best park. We are thrilled to be recognized as the Best City Park for 2025.” 

Economic Impact

In March 2020 Bonnet Springs Park broke ground, right as the COVID pandemic started. Work continued throughout, and the park opened in October 2022. The park employs more than 100 people and has  500+ volunteers.  

“Parks like Bonnet Springs aren’t just beautiful places to spend a day, they are engines of economic development,” Barnett said. “They attract tourism, spark investment, elevate quality of life and inspire pride of place. In the case of Bonnet Springs, it has already spurred growth downtown and brought new energy and opportunity to our city.”

That includes the area around Bonnet Springs Park – Prospect Lake Wire, also known as the old Florida Tile site. Lakeland’s City Manager, Shawn Sherrouse, said recently that the first phase of 300 multi-family apartments has been completed. And, there is room for expansion.  

In April 2024, the Lakeland City Commission approved the downtown west strategic action plan. The plan lays out a blueprint for strategic developments and investments. The goal is to ultimately improve connectivity and quality-of-life elements in Lakeland’s downtown west. This area includes the park, RP Funding Center and Prospect Lake Wire. 

Mutz said the park “provides a significant economic Polk County impact while allowing local citizens to make superb memories in this recaptured, repurposed former brownfield.”

Developing Bonnet Springs Park in that area was instrumental in developing the region.  

“This award affirms what so many of us have believed all along: that when a community dares to dream big and follows through with commitment, generosity and collaboration, truly remarkable things can happen,” Barnett said.